Disclosure: Sponsored post written by Tracy Vicory-Rosenquest, Rover.com community member. Rover is the nation’s largest network of 5-star pet sitters and dog walkers.
Whether you’re planning a trip with your doggies or leaving them with a pet sitter, it takes planning ahead to be ready. Even if your dog loves traveling with you or is usually well behaved when you’re gone, take the time to make sure you and your pets will be comfortable. Here are a few dos and don’ts from Rover.com as you get ready for your trip.
Make Your Dog More Comfortable While Traveling
Taking Your Dog on Your Trip
Do: Bring your dog’s favorite toys. At some point, your dog will get bored, restless, or anxious, and you’ll need an entertainment solution. You’ll also want to plan time for plenty of exercise along the way. A tired dog is a better travel companion.
Don’t: Buy all new stuff for the trip. Your dog needs familiar smells to feel comfortable for the journey. If you do plan to buy a few new things, make sure your dog can break them in before you leave.
Do: Plan out your sleeping arrangements before you leave. Not every hotel or campsite will accommodate your dog, so you’ll want to think through where you and your pup will be sleeping at your destination.
Don’t: Expect every road-side stop to be dog-friendly. At the very least, check out your options for restaurants, parks, and sites that you want to visit to ensure your dog is welcome too.
Leaving Your Dog at Home
Do: Schedule time to introduce (or reintroduce) your dog to the pet sitter before you leave for your trip. If your pup is meeting someone new, plan a meet and greet so your dog can sniff out the new sitter, and you can make sure the pet sitter is comfortable with your dog. If your dog already knows the pet sitter, it’s still a good idea to have them reconnect before you leave.
This will make your Dog More Comfortable While Traveling as they know the sitter.
Don’t: Leave your dog with a pet sitter they’ve never met. Even if your dog is calm and loving with you, it’s unpredictable how your dog will respond to someone new. You don’t want to put your pet sitter in an uncomfortable situation if it doesn’t go well.
Do: Determine what you’re expecting from a pet sitter while you’re away. Write out your dog’s daily routine and how you manage it. Work with your pet sitter before you leave so they are clear on the daily schedule and can uphold any training commands that you use.
Don’t: Leave your pet sitter without instructions. This seems like a no-brainer, but the more clear you are about what works and what doesn’t work with your pup the happier your pet sitter will be. You and your pup are better off with a pet sitter who is confident and prepared.
If you are interested in being a pet sitter, the benefits of becoming a sitter with Rover.com are numerous. Rover provides a community of pet owners looking for pet sitters in cities across the country. Visit Rover.com to learn more or to get started.